Influence of altitude on the physicochemical composition and antioxidant capacity of strawberry: a preliminary systematic review and meta-analysis

Several climatic trends are generally associated with altitude, that may influence the nutritional and phytochemical composition of plants. Strawberry is considered a functional food due to biological activities and health benefits. This systematic review and meta-analysis intend to expose possible variations on physicochemical composition and antioxidant capacity of strawberries in regard to altitude. Thirty eligible studies were included for the final meta-analysis. Two altitude ranges were established: 0 - 1000 and 1000-2000 m above sea level. A random-effects model was used to obtain the results. It was discovered that total soluble solids significantly decreased with altitude. Total titratable acidity increased with altitude. Vitamin C and total anthocyanins showed a significant difference between the groups before we discarded some studies. The analysis of altitude for phenolics and antioxidant capacity evaluated for the DPPH radical scavenging method did not identify any significant differences between the studies. The findings suggest that altitude does not affect the physicochemical composition and antioxidant capacity of strawberries; nonetheless, a more exhaustive study is recommended.[GRAPHICS]

Physical-productive characterization and typologies of diversified dairy systems in the highlands of Ecuador

The objective of this work was to characterize and establish a typology of Cotopaxi cattle systems in the northern Sierra region of Ecuador. The data were collected through direct surveys of 212 farmers and reflect the main technical, economic and productive aspects of the farms. The typology was established using multivariate analytical techniques. Cluster analysis revealed four groupings. Group I, defined as Small Family Farms (GPF), Group II, as Family Farms Farms (GMF), Group III, as Technified Family Farms Farms (GMFT) and Group IV, as Very Small Family Farms (GMPF). An ANAVA was applied. The evaluation indicated important differences in the group farms, despite the fact that they are developed in the same agroclimatic environment, operate in the same markets and also have similar information. The result is a varied universe of situations with significant variations between medium and small systems. By scale and by reason of their areas dedicated to livestock and crops and their productive and efficiency results measured as income for each activity and level of expenditure

Predicting uptake of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA): A belief-based theoretical approach

Purpose: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common disorder, for which continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is a standard treatment. Despite its well-established efficacy, many patients choose not to initiate CPAP treatment. The present study investigated the degree to which biological measures (e.g. Apnoea-Hypopnoea Index [AHI]), symptom experiences (e.g. fatigue) and illness representations (e.g. perceived consequences) predict the decision of individuals newly diagnosed with OSA to undergo a trial of CPAP therapy. Methods: Four hundred forty-nine individuals (316 males) newly diagnosed with OSA. Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), Fatigue Severity Scale, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale and Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised (IPQ-R) were administered at time of sleep study. These, patient demographics and sleep study variables were used to determine factors predicting patient decision to proceed with a trial of CPAP. Results: The participants were most likely to attribute their OSA to unchangeable and psychological factors. For those with moderate OSA (AHI, 15 to 30) IPQ-R illness consequence was predictive of decision to initiate CPAP (p = 0.002). For severe OSA (AHI > 30) age, ESS and IPQ illness causal beliefs were predictive of decision to initiate CPAP (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Illness beliefs are important determinants of the choice of recently diagnosed OSA patients whether or not to undertake a trial of CPAP therapy. Concerns about illness consequences were important in those with moderate OSA. In severe OSA, sleepiness symptoms are more prominent and a more significant determinant of CPAP uptake along with age and causal beliefs. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg